Bird Watching in Australia

Thanks to its abundant wildlife, the vast country of Australia is one of the prime spots for bird watching. Whether you’ve spent years twitching or you are just starting out, you may be wondering where the best spots are to visit in the Land Down Under. To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of the country’s top destinations for bird watching so that you can book that plane and fly out to witness some of Australia’s most beautiful avian specimens. With over 800 species around the nation, you’ll certainly have plenty to see.

Kakadu National Park

Located in the Northern Territory, about 150 km east of Darwin, this natural haven is home to about 280 species of birds. With over 20,000 square kilometres of wetlands to explore, the average bird watcher could spend days here just scouring the park for new species to cross off his checklist. The place is also easily accessible as international and domestic airlines land at Darwin Airport where you can hire a car to reach Kakadu, one of Australia’s best twitching destinations.

Daintree Rainforest

This national park, listed as a world heritage site, is found in Queensland nearby Cairns. Its lush tropical setting is home to an abundant array of birds, including the pied monarch, lesser sooty owl and paradise kingfisher. For the best chance to see plenty of wildlife, arrange your trip here during the summertime (Nov – Feb) when the bird numbers simply skyrocket thanks to the wetter, more hospitable climate. To get there, book a flight to Cairns and then hire a car at the airport.

Broome Bird Observatory

The distant Western Australian town of Broome is home to one of the best bird-watching spots in the country. In fact, the site plays home to a whopping 300 out of the total 800 species the nation offers. This makes it a must-see location for anyone keen on twitching. This will put you in one of the world’s most famous bird watching paradises before you even know it.

Dandenong Ranges

This natural reserve is found at a quick 40 km from Melbourne, the state capital of Victoria. Here, you can find a variety of cold-climate birds, especially in winter and spring. During these seasons, it doesn’t rain too much, making it easier to see the birds. The park features well-marked trails and a number of picnic spots that make for excellent twitching locations. The local animal life is abundant too, ensuring that this park is truly a wildlife lover’s dream.

Gluepot Reserve

Located about 200 km northeast of Adelaide in South Australia, this 50,000-hectare expanse of shrub is home to some of the rarest birds in the country. Reaching this UNESCO Biosphere can be quite tricky, with travellers first flying to Adelaide Airport and then having to drive to Gluepot. The effort will be well worth it as you gain the chance to spot some of the most elusive bird species in Australia including the black-eared minor and scarlet-chested parrot.

Christmas Island

Even though this last destination is found about 2,500 km northwestfrom Perth, it is still part of Australia. Its isolated location means that its home to plenty of unique bird species, many of which are incredibly tame. The island has no predators and a small number of humans, and the birds are known to perch on visitor’s shoulders. For an up-close encounter with some avian species, this is certainly a recommended destination for all bird watchers.